Tenants

We’re here to help you find a home that meets your needs and suits your budget. To start, you can register with us either over the phone, in branch or online.

Our team can provide you with details on current properties on the market and arrange viewings for those properties you wish to see. If there are no properties that suit you right now, we’ll keep you updated regularly and let you know as soon as one becomes available.

Whether you’re renting for the first time, or searching for your next rented property, follow our helpful guide to finding your ideal home. If you have any questions about renting or want to understand what you can expect as a tenant and learn more about your responsibilities, our team are more than happy to assist.

A GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR PERFECT HOME

1. Finding A Property

The first thing to do is to register your details with us so we know exactly what you’re looking for and can advise you as soon as the right property becomes available. Once registered, all viewings can be arranged by calling your local lettings branch at either Oxted, Reigate, East Grinstead or Tonbridge. Sometimes there is very high demand so the ability to attend viewings at short notice and have all decision makers present will help ensure your offer is at the front of the queue.

TENANCY FEES: When thinking of renting a property, you will need to take into consideration the upfront fees that apply. These include set up and administration fees, first month’s rent upfront and a security deposit. You can view our lettings charges here.

2. Once You Have Found Somewhere

MAKING AN OFFER: Once you’ve found a property you would like to proceed with, you’ll need to make an offer so both parties have the opportunity to agree the terms of the let. This means providing a preferred move in date, confirming the rent amount and your current work and income status.

ONCE YOUR OFFER IS ACCEPTED: To reserve the property and for it to be taken off the market you will need to pay an initial set up administration fee. This payment includes your reservation fee, referencing, tenancy agreement and administration cost.

REFERENCING: All tenants and guarantors will need to pass an independent referencing process to qualify for their chosen property. This will include verifying identification, proof of address, employment, earnings, credit history and character references. But don’t worry – we’ll just need to collect some information from you and we’ll take care of the rest! Permitted Occupants (all persons over 18 moving in, not named tenants) also need to be referenced, results not dependent on affordability or employment status.

3. Preparing For Moving In Day

MOVE IN DATE: Arrangements to move should only be made once we have confirmed a date the property will be ready for occupancy and that all of the prospective tenants, permitted occupants and guarantor have passed the referencing and a date the property will be ready for occupancy has been confirmed..

TENANCY AGREEMENT: All tenants and guarantors must attend a local Howard Cundey office to sign the tenancy or guarantor agreement either on or before the day of move in. A draft copy of the agreement is available on request.

COMPLETION FUNDS: The final balance of the first month’s rent, security deposit and any outstanding administration fees, must be paid by cleared funds at least 2 days prior to the commencement of tenancy by way of Bank Transfer (cash and personal cheques are not accepted). Bank details will be provided.

SECURITY DEPOSIT: For the purpose of any damages, dilapidations or unpaid rent, a security deposit will be retained for the duration of the tenancy and will be secured in a Deposit Protection Scheme. Howard Cundey or the landlord will advise you which scheme your deposit is protected by.

INVENTORY: In most cases, an inventory and condition checks will be conducted at the commencement and expiry of the tenancy agreement. Unless advised otherwise, these are conducted by an independent Inventory Clerk, the cost being shared between the landlord and tenant. For further information regarding tenancy charges, click here.

CONTENTS INSURANCE: We’re continuously on the lookout for market leading insurance products and can provide information on providers who offer affordable protection should the worst happen. Please contact your local Howard Cundey office for further information.